Serbia’s electoral processes need improvement and reform as it continues on its EU path but no action is in the pipeline, according to European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano.

The Serbian general elections that took place on December 17 sparked massive nationwide protests over reports of vote buying, voter pressuring, and the bussing in of Serbs from Bosnia and Herzegovina to vote, reportedly for the ruling party.

The OSCE, international institutions and EU member states have condemned the elections and called for action to prevent further democratic backsliding in the EU candidate country.

When asked by Euronews Albania what the status assessing the situation was and whether the European Commission would take any action, Stano referred to the Joint statement of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell and the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, as well as the preliminary findings and conclusions of the ODIHR.

“In light of these preliminary findings and conclusions, we conclude with concern that the electoral process requires tangible improvement and further reform, as the proper functioning of Serbia’s democratic institutions is at the core of Serbia’s EU accession process,” he told Euronews Albania.

He added that the EU looks forward to the final report from the OSCE/ODIHR and recommendations for future elections. These, Stano said, “should be implemented as soon as possible and well in advance of the next elections”.

Stano further stated that “credible reports of irregularities – as mentioned in the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary findings and conclusions report – are followed up in a transparent manner by the competent national authorities. This includes also allegations related to the local elections in Belgrade and other municipalities”.

He called on the Serbian political leadership to ensure a constructive, inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum.